Energy Commission Awards More Than $2.5 Million
to Get Natural Gas-Powered Vehicles Rolling

SACRAMENTO - The California Energy Commission today approved funding of $2,604,000 to help bring more buses and trucks powered by natural gas to the state's highways. The awards are expected to bring more than 125 new vehicles powered by natural gas to the state's roadways. Funding comes from the Commission's Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program.

"These alternatively fueled vehicles mean cleaner air and fewer greenhouse gas emissions. That protects our environment and improves the health of all Californians, especially those living in high air-pollution areas," said Energy Commission Chair Robert B. Weisenmiller. "And these benefits should continue throughout the 20-year life span of these vehicles."

The Energy Commission previously awarded approximately $29 million to help buyers afford new, alternative-fueled passenger vehicles, buses, and trucks. These awards help to pay the difference between the cost of conventional gas- or diesel-powered vehicles and new ones that use propane or natural gas. Eligible vehicles meet all the emission requirements of the Air Resources Board and are fully warranted by their manufacturers.

The Energy Commission's buy-down incentives are reserved in blocks for vehicle manufacturers or their designated dealers. The incentives are passed on to buyers in California at the time of sale. To receive the incentives, purchasers must agree to register and operate these alternative fueled vehicles in California at least 90 percent of the time for three years. Applications from manufacturers to participate in the program are considered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Nations Bus Corp. is awarded $320,000 for the buy-down of 16 vehicles built by Krystal Enterprises, based in Brea, Calif. The natural gas-powered vehicles are in the 14,001-to-26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight range.

Nations Bus Corp. is also awarded $280,000 for the buy-down of 14 vehicles manufactured by Champion Bus Inc. The natural gas-powered vehicles are in the 14,001-to-26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight range.

Daimler Trucks North America LLC is awarded $884,000 for the buy-down of 34 natural gas-powered vehicles in the 26,001 pounds and greater gross vehicle weight range. Daimler is the manufacturer of the vehicles.

West Coast Bus Sales Inc. is awarded a total incentive reservation of $280,000 for vehicles built by Tiffany Coachworks Corp., based in Corona, Calif.: $80,000 for the buy-down of 10 natural gas-powered vehicles in the 8,501-to-14,000 pounds gross vehicle weight range; and $200,000 for the buy-down of 10 natural gas-powered vehicles in the 14,001-to-26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight range.

West Coast Bus Sales Inc. is also awarded a total incentive reservation of $440,000 for vehicles manufactured by Federal Coach Corp.: $40,000 for the buy-down of five natural gas-powered vehicles in the 8,501-to-14,000 pounds gross vehicle weight range; and $400,000 for the buy-down of 20 natural gas-powered vehicles in the 14,001-to-26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight range.

More information about the Alternative and Renewable Fuels and Vehicle Technology Program is available at the Energy Commission's DRIVE website at: www.energy.ca.gov/drive

The California Energy Commission is the state's primary energy policy and planning agency. Created by the Legislature in 1974 and located in Sacramento, six basic responsibilities guide the Energy Commission as it sets state energy policy: forecasting future energy needs; licensing thermal power plants 50 megawatts or larger; promoting energy efficiency and conservation by setting the state's appliance and building efficiency standards; supporting public interest energy research that advances energy science and technology through research, development, and demonstration programs; developing renewable energy resources and alternative renewable energy technologies for buildings, industry and transportation; planning for and directing state response to energy emergencies.